Hockey fans will be able to settle old grudge matches and create new rivalries online using Xbox Live. Gamers will be able to track individual and team stats, leader boards and win/loss records as well as support cooperative, team, ranked and non-ranked play. With Xbox Live, gamers will be able to download quarterly roster updates, All-Star game rosters and updated player ratings. Read more for the full review ...

Leafs and Canadiens…Rangers and Devils. Some teams just weren’t meant to get along. Historic hockey rivalries have captivated pucknuts for decades, but nothing will prepare them for the hard-hitting action they’re about to embark on. Microsoft Game Studios announced that “NHL Rivals 2004”, their first-ever hockey title made exclusively for Xboxâ as part of Microsoft’s XSN Sports brand, is now available at retail stores across North America. NHL perennial all-star Steve Yzerman will serve as both the cover athlete and spokesperson for the game.

Our buddies at VE3D send over the following MicroSoft announcement. Historic hockey rivals will face-off this week as the quest for the coveted Stanley Cup begins. With intense NHL Playoff battles opening throughout the league, Microsoft Game Studios announced today its first hockey title for the Xbox, "NHL Rivals 2004." The game is scheduled to “go top shelf” in stores this fall. “NHL Rivals 2004” will have all the modes of play that hockey fans want including single game, playoff mode, season mode and online play. Read more for details and the first batch of screens ...